Regeneration in The Anthropocene

Artist Statement

Narratives conveyed in my work are imbued with a sense of exploration, wonder and wellbeing. The natural beauty of flora and fauna lend significant influence throughout my painting and sculptural practices. My sculptural work most often celebrates whimsy and is grounded in a contemporary expressionist style, but often features a measure of the figurative as well. The approach I take with my painting, while still representative of an abstract expressionist style, is more intuitive and spontaneous. Thumbnail sketches are occasionally done in a sketchbook, or on the actual canvas. My work is meant to express a sense of optimism, I want to captivate the viewer’s gaze and ignite imagination.

Crosscut Eucalyptus 1, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24”

In this series of 6 paintings, differing methodologies are employed but similar colour pallets are used in creating a visual study of the Eucalyptus Deglupta tree. This tree, indigenous to Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, is sometimes called rainbow eucalyptus, painted Eucalyptus, Mindanao gum, or rainbow gum. What I have found fascinating about this tree is its continued regeneration and shedding process. As the tree grows, the outer layers of bark split and peel off, exposing the underlying surfaces. With each layer of bark that is shed, a chemical reaction alters its colour at different stages of the process, providing the viewer with a virtual rainbow of colours.

For The Senses

Silent, but for a creak in wind, a rustle, a snap, a gentle thud, springing forth anew.

Perfume arousing, captivating, bewitching, alluring, repelling, betraying ipseity.

A kaleidoscope of cast, iridescence, luminosity, quiet exhibition.

Coarse shielding tegument, bland, antonymic variation, vulnerable.

A stand of unity, community, nurturing, resilient, pinioned.

Produces pour forth, solvent, intoxicant, fruitful, steadfast.

Food for the body and soul, essence, vitality, inspirational, paramount.